Lacrosse training device

ABSTRACT

A lacrosse training and conditioning device includes a weighted device shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse stick having a generally triangular shaped head and elongated rod. The device further includes a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle secured to the weighted device, such that the lacrosse training and conditioning device when used will exercise the identical muscles used by lacrosse players. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the device includes an elongated weighted handle member shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse handle and fit within a traditional lacrosse stick handle and a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle secured to the weighted device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/452,056, filed Mar. 6, 2003, entitled “LACROSSE TRAINING DEVICE”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a sports training device. More particularly, the invention relates to a weighted device for use in conditioning lacrosse players.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Weight training devices have been developed for use in training athletes to enhance performance in various sporting events. For example, weighted golf clubs and weighted baseball bats have been known for some time.

[0006] However, nothing in the prior art provides a weight training device adapted for training lacrosse players in a manner specifically related to the sport of lacrosse. As such, a need exists for a weighted training device for use by lacrosse players as they attempt to develop the strength and endurance required in handling a lacrosse stick The present invention provides such a training device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the handle attachment.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a detailed exploded view of the additional weight attachment feature.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a weighted handle member in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the weighted handle member and a lacrosse stick in accordance with the present invention.

SUMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse training and conditioning device comprising a weighted device shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse stick having a generally triangular shaped head and an elongated rod. The device further includes a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle secured to the weighted device, such that the lacrosse training and conditioning device when used will exercise the identical muscles used by lacrosse players.

[0013] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse training and conditioning device wherein the elongated rod is shaped and dimensioned to extend through the hollow lacrosse stick handle.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse training and conditioning device wherein the hollow lacrosse stick handle includes a first end and a second end, and a first connecting member adjacent the triangular shaped head engages the first end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse training and conditioning device wherein the hollow lacrosse stick handle includes a first end and a second end, and the elongated rod includes a selectively removable second connecting member shaped and dimensioned for engaging the second end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle.

[0016] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse training and conditioning device including an additional weight selectively secured to the triangular shaped head.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse training and conditioning device. The device includes an elongated weighted handle member shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse handle and fit within a traditional lacrosse stick handle. The device further includes a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle secured to the weighted device, such that the lacrosse training and conditioning device when used will exercise the identical muscles used by lacrosse players.

[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

[0020] With reference FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a lacrosse training and conditioning device 10 is disclosed. The training device 10 is designed as a conditioning tool for lacrosse players and provides them with a weighted device shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse stick. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device 10 is made from steel, iron, or other metals, although other materials may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0021] The training device 10 includes an elongated rod 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. As is described below in greater detail, the rod 12 will be enclosed by a traditional hollow lacrosse stick handle 18, although custom-made rods formed in the shape of traditional handles may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. A weighted head 20 is secured to the first end 14 of the rod 12, leaving the second end 16 of the rod 12 free for sliding a handle 18 thereover. The conventional handle 18 may then be gripped by the lacrosse player using the present training device 10.

[0022] As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the length of the rod 12 may be varied to suit specific positions and players will likely use handles 18 similar to those traditionally employed by those playing specific positions. For example, “attack players” will likely use a handle 18 having a length of approximately 30-32 inches, “mid-fielders” will likely use a handle 18 having a length of anywhere between 30-32 inches, and “defenseman” will likely use a handle 18 having a length of approximately 60-64 inches.

[0023] The weighted head 20 is shaped and dimensioned to resemble the head of a traditional lacrosse stick As such, the weighted head 20 is generally triangular and, more particularly, in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The head 20, therefore, includes two long side members 22, 24, equal in length, that meet at a first apex 27 of the head 20, and a short side member 26 connecting the other ends of the long side members 22, 24 to complete the triangle of the weighted head 20.

[0024] The shape of the head 20 is further adapted to replicate the shape of a traditional lacrosse stick head by providing a slight offset between the longitudinal axis of the rod 12 and the plane in which the weighted head 20 lies. This is achieved by providing a bend 28 adjacent the first apex 27 such that the head 20 sits slightly out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the rod 12.

[0025] The weighted head 20 is secured to the first end 14 of the rod 12 by a welded joint. Further, the weighted head 20 and rod 12 are secured to the handle 18 in such a way that one may use the weighted head 20 with any size traditional lacrosse handle.

[0026] A first connecting member in the form of a washer 30 is positioned adjacent the first apex 27 of the head 20 at the first end 14 of the rod 12 and is adapted for selective abutment with the first end 32 of a traditional hollow handle 18. The washer 30 is adapted for selective positioning along the length of the rod 12, thereby, permitting use with various length handles as will be better appreciated based upon the following description.

[0027] Attachment of head 20 and rod 12 to the handle 18 is completed by the provision of a threaded rod end 38 at the second end 16 of the rod 12 to facilitate the use of a second connecting member 34, 36 along the second end 16 of the rod 12. After the handle 18 is slid over the rod 12 into abutment with the first connecting member 30, a second connecting member in the form of a threaded fastener 34 with a washer 36 thereon is secured to the threaded rod end 38 such that the second connecting member 34, 36 abuts the second end 40 of the handle 18.

[0028] As briefly mentioned above, the weighted head 20 is secured to the rod 12 in such a way that one may use the weighted head 20 with any size traditional lacrosse handle. As discussed above, the second end 16 of the rod 12 includes a threaded fastener 34 that is selectively connected to a washer 36 for engaging the second end 40 of the handle 18. The threaded fastener 34 can be supplied in various lengths. Thus, if a 60-inch handle is used, a 30-inch long fastener 34 would be employed. As such, the fastener 34 could be in the form of a bolt or a rod having a threaded end.

[0029] Once the first connecting member 30 is properly engaged with the first end 32 of the handle 18, the threaded fastener 34 is screwed into the threaded rod end 38 such that the washer 36 contacts the second end 40 of the handle 18. This applies a pulling force between the first and second connecting members 30, 34, 36 that is used to lock the weighted head 20 within the handle 18.

[0030] The head 20 is weighted for training a lacrosse player and increasing his or her strength and/or stamina for playing lacrosse. With this in mind, it is contemplated the head 20 will vary in weight from approximately 1 pound to an amount commensurate with the advanced skill mastery of the participant. However, those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate a wide range of weights may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0031] Additional weight may be added to the head 20 through the provision of a weight bracket 42 (shown in FIG. 3). In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight bracket 42 is secured to the head 20 (using known coupling techniques) and includes attachment members 43 a, 43 b, 43 c for the selective attachment of additional weights thereto. The selective attachment may be in the form of a threaded fastener 43 a extending through the bracket 42 and the weight 44. The weight 44 having a hole therein would then be fitted over the threaded fastener 43 a and a nut 43 b and washer 43 c combination could be used to secure the weight 44 to the bracket 42.

[0032] Additionally, the bracket could be placed on one side of the head and a weight plate on the other side of the head and a bolt with a washer thereon could extend through the weight plate, the bracket and secure the bracket, the weight plate and the head all together via a nut. In essence, this would clamp the head between the bracket and the weight plate. It is contemplated that additional weights may be secured to the bracket through the use of nuts, bolts and washers, although those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate other attachment mechanisms which may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0033] In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the concepts underlying the present invention may be achieved by employing a weighted handle member 110 in conjunction with a traditional lacrosse stick 112. The weighted handle member 110 is designed for those wishing to place weight in the handle 118 of a lacrosse stick 112 while using a traditional lacrosse head 119 on their stick 112.

[0034] The weighted handle member 110 is shaped and dimensioned for placement within the hollow handle 118 of a traditional lacrosse stick 112. The weighted handle member 110 includes a first end 114 and a second end 116. The second end 116 includes an enlarged head 120 shaped and dimensioned to be larger then the internal diameter of the hollow handle 118, thereby prevent the weighted handle member 110 from sliding completely through the handle 118 when the weighted handle member 110 is secured thereto.

[0035] The first end 114 of the weighted handle member 110 is provided with a selectively attachable retaining structure 122. The retaining structure 122 is shaped and dimensioned to engage the handle 118 opposite the second end 116 of the weighted handle member 110 for securely retaining the weighted handle member 110 within the hollow handle 118 of the lacrosse stick 112.

[0036] Specifically, the retaining structure 122 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is composed of a rubber washer 124 secured to the first end 114 of the weighted handle member 110 by a nut 126. As such, the enlarged head 120 and the washer 124 engage opposite ends of the hollow handle 118 to retain the weighted handle member 110 within the hollow handle 118 of the lacrosse stick 112.

[0037] In practice, the weighted handle member 110 is secured within the hollow handle 118 by first sliding the first end 114 of the weighted handle member 110 up into the hollow handle 118 until the enlarged head 120 at the second end 116 of the weighted handle member 110 engages the second end 128 of the hollow handle 118. Thereafter, the rubber washer 124 and nut 126 are secured to the first end 114 of the weighted handle member 110 engaging the first end 130 of the handle 118 for securing the weighted handle member 110 within the hollow handle 118 of the lacrosse stick 112.

[0038] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A lacrosse training and conditioning device, comprising: a weighted device shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse stick having a generally triangular shaped head and elongated rod; and a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle secured to the weighted device, such that the lacrosse training and conditioning device when used will exercise the identical muscles used by lacrosse players.
 2. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated rod is shaped and dimensioned to extend through the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 3. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow lacrosse stick handle includes a first end and a second end, and a connecting member adjacent the triangular shaped head engages the first end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 4. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow lacrosse stick handle includes a first end and a second end, and the elongated rod includes a selectively removable connecting member shaped and dimensioned for engaging the second end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 5. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 1, further including an additional weight selectively secured to the triangular shaped head.
 6. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 5, further including a weight bracket selectively securing the additional weight to the triangular shaped head.
 7. A lacrosse training and conditioning device shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle such that the lacrosse training and conditioning device when used will exercise the identical muscles used by lacrosse players, the lacrosse training and conditioning device comprising: a weighted device shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse stick, the weighted device including a generally triangular shaped head and an elongated rod.
 8. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 7, wherein the elongated rod is shaped and dimensioned to extend through the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 9. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 7, wherein the hollow lacrosse stick handle includes a first end and a second end, and the triangular shaped head engages the first end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 10. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 7, wherein the hollow lacrosse stick handle includes a first end and a second end, and the elongated rod includes a selectively removable connecting member shaped and dimensioned for engaging the second end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 11. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 7, further including an additional weight selectively secured to the triangular shaped head.
 12. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 11, further including a weight bracket selectively securing the additional weight to the triangular shaped head.
 13. A lacrosse training and conditioning device, comprising: an elongated weighted handle member shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse handle and fit within a traditional lacrosse stick handle; and a conventional lacrosse stick having a hollow handle and a head, the lacrosse stick secured to the weighted device, such that the lacrosse training and conditioning device when used will exercise the identical muscles used by lacrosse players.
 14. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 13, wherein the elongated weighted handle member is shaped and dimensioned to extend through the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 15. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 13, wherein the hollow lacrosse stick handle includes a first end and a second end, and the weighted handle member includes connecting members for securing the weighted handle member within the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 16. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 15, wherein the weighted handle member includes a first connecting member engaging the first end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle.
 17. The lacrosse training and conditioning device according to claim 15, wherein the weighted handle member includes a second connecting member engaging the second end of the hollow lacrosse stick handle. 